What is a wiki? A wiki site allows easy creation and editing of interlinked pages via a web browser. Wiki software is normally used to create collaborative sites. Mostly all wikis accept content without firm rules as to how the content should be organized. However, wikis with a particular purpose, as we are hoping teachers may use them, might allow specific users with editorial rights to remove irrelevant material. The wiki software we are recommending for teacher use is Wikispaces.com. This is a free site where you can create pages, begin discussion threads, and begin a small online community in your classroom. How do I get started? 1. Open your Internet browser and type “wikispaces.com” into the URL box. 2. To the right of the screen, you will see a “Get Started” box. Fill in the corresponding information and click the red “Get Started” button. 3. Wikispaces.com will send a confirmation e-mail to the address you provided. If this address happens to be your Pike account, you will need to go through the Barracuda program to Whitelist the wiki site once you receive your e-mail. 4. Under the title “Create a New Wiki,” you will want to add information about the site you are creating. The Wiki Name you choose will also be the title that appears at the top of your site. You can change it at a later date if you do not like how it appears. 5. For Wiki Permissions, you may want to choose Protected. This means anyone can view the page, but only the members belonging to the site can edit it. 6. For Wiki Type, choose how you are using this page. For the purpose of your class, it will probably be “K-12 Education (Primary and Secondary).” 7. Your wiki site will appear with a dialogue box titled “Getting Started With Your Wiki.” This box directs you to information regarding how to edit, manage, and invite members to your wiki. The “Help” button to the top right of your site will also take you back to this list if necessary in the future. Available Features Accessible from your main page are a variety of features. At the top right-hand side of your screen, you will see links that allow access to a personal user dashboard, search bar, messaging, account set-up, help, and signing out. There is also a link to “Create a New Wiki” if you choose to do so in the future. Along the left-hand side, you will see links that enable you to create a new page, monitor recent changes, and manage your wiki. At the top of your site are tabs that open information pertaining to whichever site you have running at the moment. This includes the home site information, discussion threads, site history, and notifications. Click on these features to explore their functions.
A wiki site allows easy creation and editing of interlinked pages via a web browser. Wiki software is normally used to create collaborative sites. Mostly all wikis accept content without firm rules as to how the content should be organized. However, wikis with a particular purpose, as we are hoping teachers may use them, might allow specific users with editorial rights to remove irrelevant material.
The wiki software we are recommending for teacher use is Wikispaces.com. This is a free site where you can create pages, begin discussion threads, and begin a small online community in your classroom.
How do I get started?
1. Open your Internet browser and type “wikispaces.com” into the URL box.
2. To the right of the screen, you will see a “Get Started” box. Fill in the corresponding information and click the red “Get Started” button.
3. Wikispaces.com will send a confirmation e-mail to the address you provided. If this address happens to be your Pike account, you will need to go through the Barracuda program to Whitelist the wiki site once you receive your e-mail.
4. Under the title “Create a New Wiki,” you will want to add information about the site you are creating. The Wiki Name you choose will also be the title that appears at the top of your site. You can change it at a later date if you do not like how it appears.
5. For Wiki Permissions, you may want to choose Protected. This means anyone can view the page, but only the members belonging to the site can edit it.
6. For Wiki Type, choose how you are using this page. For the purpose of your class, it will probably be “K-12 Education (Primary and Secondary).”
7. Your wiki site will appear with a dialogue box titled “Getting Started With Your Wiki.” This box directs you to information regarding how to edit, manage, and invite members to your wiki. The “Help” button to the top right of your site will also take you back to this list if necessary in the future.
Available Features
Accessible from your main page are a variety of features. At the top right-hand side of your screen, you will see links that allow access to a personal user dashboard, search bar, messaging, account set-up, help, and signing out. There is also a link to “Create a New Wiki” if you choose to do so in the future. Along the left-hand side, you will see links that enable you to create a new page, monitor recent changes, and manage your wiki. At the top of your site are tabs that open information pertaining to whichever site you have running at the moment. This includes the home site information, discussion threads, site history, and notifications. Click on these features to explore their functions.